Ted's Polish-Mexican Page

The Revs took down the Galaxy 1-0 in their own house last night. Apparently, Galaxy coach Steve Sampson did not want promoters to schedule the ring presentation before this match, since he thought it would over-motivate the Revs.
Well, I don't know if that happened, but it certainly didn't do much for the Galaxy's motivation.


The Revs were a bit disorganized in the midfield. James Riley and the much maligned Joey Franchino broke up some of the Galaxy's offensive plays (which were rather one-dimensional), but often their clearances would go to a Galaxy player. Luckily, the Galaxy was unable to capitalize on any of this.

The Galaxy's strategy seemed to be, pass to Landon Donovan, if you are too far back for that, pass to Cobi Jones. This enabled the Revs to pile on two, three or even four men on Donovan, since they knew full well that offense was not going to pass throught anyone else.

Interestingly, the Rev's lone goal was struck by Clint Dempsey in much the same way that Pando Ramirez scored the lone goal against the Revs in the last MLS Cup.


One player that may not have helped himself for the World Cup: Chris Albright. I was generally unimpressd by Albright, who gave away the ball too easily.


Clint Dempsey was hungry to be on the ball. This was a bit of a problem because it meant that he was taking Twellman and Pat Noonan out of the play. His enthusiasm is great to watch, and maybe because Bruce Arena was in the audience and his troubles the last two weeks he felt the need to prove himself. In soccer, sometimes just being in the right place is the way to make the play.


Two gripes about the boradcast: the now pregnant Brandi Chastain (Brandi, how could you, after all we have meant to each other?) interviewing some hack from Desperate Housewives. Okay...this is the guy's connection to MLS...his three year old son watches the games. Yes, that is seriously what he said. I know, when you broadcast on ABC, expect them to use some time for cross-promotion. But, Desperate Housewives needs promotion? Give me an effin' break.

Since this is "cross-promotion," that must mean ABC will promote MLS on Desperate Housewives, right?

The other trouble was I felt like Rob Stone was being a homer. Tyrone Marshall takes Twellman down in the box, probably not a penalty, but definitely more than a friendly bump. Stone says "Marshall slows Twellman down..." Slows him down?


Twellman plays up front like a defender, muscling the backs down and forcing bad passes and useless clearences.


I also watched the earlier match between Chicago and Dallas. It was like watching a pick-up game with really good players. The excuse I always hear for performances like this is that it is early in the season. These are also two teams that were not involved in pre-season tournaments. So what? They are professional soccer players, this is all they do.


Watching that game, I thought about Jim Curtin. I think MLS has a rule about redheaded players. I can only think of three that have played in the league: Alexi Lalas, Dan Calichman and Curtin. A red-head can only play in MLS if...

• He is a defender
• He is a bit too tall
• He is a bit slow

Two of the redheads played for New England. They are also the two that have had goatees. Curtin is on the verge of a trade if he ever grows a "soul patch."


I also caught the match between Columbus and Kansas City. Anyone remember when Columbus was the team with all the pretty boys?

Also, the local Columbus broadcasts are by far the worst.


Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.